JOB DESCRIPTION

PARAPROFESSIONAL | SPECIAL EDUCATION RESOURCE

POSITION SUMMARY

The paraprofessional assists teachers, students, and staff in educational settings by providing support with classroom instruction and other responsibilities to enhance the learning environment.

Under the guidance of the classroom teacher, the paraprofessional will provide student support by implementing the following:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist student within the school setting behaviorally, emotionally, and academically
Provide active supervision in academic and nonacademic settings (lunch, recess, fieldtrips, bussing, etc.)
Enforce school-wide behavior expectations using PBIS, TBRI, or the Pyramid Model
Be available to assist special education staff in tasks related to students when not directly with students (planning, activity preparation, etc.)
Assist with modifications and accommodations to the general education curriculum
Assist students with assignments and activities as provided by the general education and/or special education teacher
Provide assistance and targeted intervention as needed, without distraction
Attend staff meetings
Act as a mandated reporter
Refer to supplied IEPs, BIPs, and 504s to best assist students and understand their needs
Communicate with classroom teachers, special education teachers, and other paraprofessionals about the specifics of the students you are working with
Ensure student safety at all times
Encourage and support positive peer interactions
Respond with empathy to students displaying screaming, crying, or aggressive behavior, and help manage or minimize disruption
Participate in training and professional development to better serve students
Maintain a professional, reliable, and collaborative presence on the team
Other duties as assigned

PERSONAL CARE SUPPORT

Provide verbal guidance and direction to students as needed with toileting and dressing, encouraging independence while maintaining appropriate hygiene, privacy, and dignity.
Assist with personal hygiene tasks (cleaning face, washing hands, nose blowing, etc.)
With District provided training, support transfers and positioning (e.g., desk to wheelchair, floor to standing, in/out of adaptive equipment), as needed
Guidance around the building, and other activities of daily living as specified in the student's IEP, as needed
Help the student manage personal belongings and equipment (e.g., braces, walkers, communication devices), as needed
Follow individualized health and safety protocols established by the student's related services team (e.g., PT, OT, nursing staff)
Maintain student privacy and dignity during all personal care routines
Report any changes in student's physical condition, mobility, or care needs to the supervising teacher and appropriate staff

QUALIFICATIONS

Valid Paraprofessional license
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to remain calm and effective in emotionally charged situations
Ability to model and coach behavior management techniques

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The role requires the ability to perform various physical tasks, including standing, walking, sitting, kneeling, lifting, and bending, as necessary to fulfill job responsibilities. The work environment may involve exposure to typical levels of noise and activity associated with a school and on a school bus setting. This overview is not exhaustive of all physical requirements and responsibilities inherent in the role.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT



REPORTS TO: Building Principal	BENEFITS - Sick leave and personal days

Employer contributions to Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
HMO insurance and dental benefits
Opportunities for professional development and growth within the district. | | TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Hourly rate, length of work year and ongoing service shall be determined by the Board of Education. | | | | | | | |

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work to be performed by the individual assigned to the position. They are not an exhaustive list of all of the duties and responsibilities related to the position.